October Shines Spotlight on Women’s Reproductive Health and Cancer Prevention

The month of October is globally recognized as Reproductive Health Month and breast cancer is part of women’s reproductive health system therefore, the month is set aside to focus on how cancer can be prevented, especially in women. Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization representative in Belize reminds us that cancer typically starts with women in their 40s and increases with age. However, there are certain risk factors that predispose women to the disease.

Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO, World Health Organization: “Obesity, diet high in fat, alcohol consumption, tobacco use,  a family history of breast cancer  are some of the risk factors that they need to be aware of. What is important is that although you typically get breast cancer in women like over 40, it can occur at any age. So women in their 20s need to be aware of it. They need to understand how to do a breast self-examination and  also when to start doing their mammograms. It is recommended um that women start having mammograms at around age 40 or  45; the  recommendations differ. The American Cancer Society recommends age 45 that you start.  Others may say 40, but certain if you have a strong family history, the doctors may advise you to start earlier.”

What is normal though, is for women in Belize to promote breast wellness as advised by Dr. Natalia Largaespada, the Technical Advisor for Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Natalia Largaespada, Technical Advisor,Maternal and Child Health, MOH: “ So within that package of breast wellness, we have  lifestyle choices like what Dr.  Bell mentioned, healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and vitamin D, make sure we have adequate levels. And then within that package of wellness,  one needs to be aware of self-exam, meaning we need to know how our breast looks and feels normally so that when we do our breast health exam, which is recommended to start at 21 years  and do it on a monthly basis, then we can identify if there is something that is not normal.”